Island voices: The use of videos to motivate language learning in the Hebrides (Scotland)

Summary

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a college of further and higher education situated on the Island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides where all tuition and the running of the college is carried out in Scottish Gaelic. Its aim is to change the pattern of decline of the area through education, employment and social and cultural enrichment. The college is linked to the University of the Highlands and Islands with some 1000 students enrolled. Through an EU funded project, POOLS, the college has produced 40 videos in support of the teaching of English and Gaelic of particular value to distance students on extension courses and local migrant workers. The videos are short scripted documentaries with a voice-over commentary or “in their own words” interviews with participants in the documentaries. The response of learners has been very enthusiastic. Learner autonomy has developed significantly and participation in a creative process has built overall communicative confidence. The initiative won a European Award for Languages.